Operators wishing to transport and deliver lighter loads more economically may find this new model becomes their first choice. Simply put, the design seamlessly combines the very best of both worlds – low tare weight and proven strength and durability in one unit. Faced with two competing yet important design objectives, Steelbro set out to produce a sidelifter that met the optimum needs of low tare weight, while at the same time delivering proven strength and durability.
The SB362 has been tried and tested in New Zealand and Australia where it enjoys a strong presence in the commercial road transport market. For some years the SB362 has become a top selling product in those countries. Many operators approve of the technology and have been impressed by its performance, e.g. having the ability to lift up to a 36-tonne weight yet answering the payload challenge.
With a 36-tonne lifting capacity, the sidelifter is quick and stable and boasts an outreach of more than four metres to provide ease of operation. The SB362 is available with a separate power pack system with Kubota engine. This means that the sidelifter can operate with any truck without any specific hydraulic fittings, and gives more flexibility for operators with a fleet of trucks. In addition, this model will handle 20 ft containers, 40 ft containers as well as 2 x 20 ft containers side by side. It will also handle the double stacking of containers, an added feature when space is at a premium.
Although based on an existing successful design, the SB362 you’ll see in Malaysia has been carefully modified for the Malaysian market. Steelbro designers gave this customised unit a heavy-duty chassis to cater to the Malaysian environment and conditions. The design uses similar running gear to the already popular Steelbro model (SB450) for seamless integration with other units in the fleet. Sidelifters are also JPJ and Dosh compliant.
The New Malaysia model is not expected to replace the SB450 unit, but will offer an alternative choice, and in some cases supplement the existing fleet. According to Steelbro, operators are still expected to choose the SB450 when conditions are extreme and call for a more rugged sidelifter unit with a stronger lifting capacity. With the SB450, transfers of containers weighing up to 45 tonnes can be made easily within a safe working envelope.
Operators who include both models in their fleet will benefit from similar running gear on the chassis for ease of maintenance and spare parts. In addition, both the SB362 and the SB450 utilise the same controller, cable and remote which means that no additional operator training is required.
The Malaysian team is excited to launch this product into the country. Steelbro SE Asia Regional Manager, Andy Ersalle says, “Steelbro Malaysia strives to exceed the expectations of our customers as we now offer a range of options in the sidelifter product line i.e. units for both heavy duty use and regular use to meet customer demand. The new Steelbro SB362 sidelifter for regular use is being introduced at a competitive market price offering great value without compromising with quality. This long-awaited model to the market, for small and medium size industries is expected to deliver cost reduction savings for our customers as well as being capable of delivering a safe working load of up to 36 tonnes. It’s one of the best valued sidelifters in the industry designed with safety and stability in mind as well as offering a long service life.”
Steelbro will be at the Malaysia Commercial Vehicle Expo (MCVE) in Kuala Lumpur from 20-22 June 2019 and the team looks forward to demonstrating the features of this new sidelifter.
First published in Asian Trucker Issue May/June 2019
